Ribble Valley
Discover Ribble Valley for a day out centred on wide-open countryside, historic landmarks and a strong sense of place. Clitheroe sits at the heart of it, with Clitheroe Castle a must-see — home to a hands-on museum and one of the smallest Norman Keeps in the country, with views stretching right across the valley. Just a short walk away, Holmes Mill has transformed a former textiles site into one of Lancashire’s most distinctive destinations, bringing together food, drink and heritage under one roof.
Beyond the town, the valley is filled with places that tell the story of the area. From the ruins of Sawley Abbey and the peaceful grounds of Whalley Abbey to the Roman Museum at Ribchester, history is never far away. Browsholme Hall offers a glimpse into Lancashire’s oldest surviving family home, while Pendle Hill provides a well-known backdrop, popular with walkers and closely linked to the Pendle Witch Trials. Alongside it all, you’ll find village pubs, local producers and farm shops that make Ribble Valley just as well known for its food as it is for its scenery.
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Family Friendly
What's your flavour? Celebrating National Ice Cream Day in Lancashire
Posted on: 30 June 2026
Independent makers, street food and live music draw the crowds, with the monthly market leading a wave of investment and excitement across the village
Ribble Valley Businesses
Business Directory
Bowland Social at Holmes Mill
Opening soon. Bowland Social is a vibrant social playground, bringing together classic games, great food and drinks, and a lively atmosphere.
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Business Directory
Eight at Gazegill
Bask in the shadow of the iconic Pendle Hill with a range of menus, from brunch, to four-course fine dining set dinner menu.
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Business Directory
Holmes Mill
The beautifully renovated former textiles mill is pretty hard to miss and is home to the fabulous new showcase and tasting parlour for Bowland Brewery the Beer Hall.
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TASTE | Wet Weather
Boiler House Bowling
Never been duck pin bowling? It’s exactly like ten pin bowling, except the lanes and balls are smaller, making a strike even harder to achieve.
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Family Friendly
Inch Perfect Trials
Are you a thrill seeker who enjoys outdoor adventure? Looking for a great day out, party idea or a team building or corporate event? We have just the answer. Our expert coaches deliver the experience you are looking for. From our unique training facility in the Ribble Valley.
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Family Friendly
Seasons Restaurant at Stirk House Hotel
Seasons Restaurant at Stirk House welcomes both residents and non-residents to enjoy an exquisite dining experience with a wonderful selection of menus from breakfast, to afternoon tea to evening à la carte.
Read MoreRibble Valley Events
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Events
Castle Crafts - Illuminated Keepsake Book Boxes - Clitheroe Castle Museum
Date: 27th Aug 2026
Decorate your own keepsake box to look like a medieval book and finish it with an Illuminated Letter. See examples of medieval illuminated lettering and the beautiful designs used in manuscripts, and learn fun facts about medieval writing as you c...
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Free
Junior Archaeologists: Dig Pits - Clitheroe Castle Museum
Date: 23rd Jul 2026
Celebrate the Festival of Archaeology 2026 and book your young archaeologists (age 7+) onto one of our kid's workshops: Unearth and rebuild artefacts in our Dig Pit activity.Each young archaeologist will receive their very own certific...
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Events
Junior Archaeologists: Medieval Tile Pottery Workshop - Clitheroe Castle Museum
Date: 30th Jul 2026
Celebrate the Festival of Archaeology 2026 and book your young experimental archaeologists (age 7+) onto one of our kid's activities.Have a play with some clay and roll-out and then decorate a tile in the medieval style in this pottery...
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Events
Junior Archaeologists: Neolithic Pottery Workshop - Clitheroe Castle Museum
Date: 30th Jul 2026
Celebrate the Festival of Archaeology 2026 and book your young archaeologists (age 7+) onto one of our pottery workshops.Discover the prehistoric past through pottery. Get messy with some clay and learn about the invention of pottery f...
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Events
Castle Crafts - Medieval Heraldic Banners - Clitheroe Castle Museum
Date: 20th Aug 2026
Using a banner template and craft materials, decorate your own fabric medieval banner and design a coat of arms to adorn it. The craft leaders will show some examples of medieval banners and their designs, as well as delve into why they were made...
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Events
Castle Crafts - Anglo-Saxon Brooches - Clitheroe Castle Museum
Date: 6th Aug 2026
Delve back in time and make your very own Anglo-Saxon Brooch in this guided craft activity. Learn more about the Saxons and their flair for fashion.Using a template and craft material provided, you will be able to decorate a Saxon broo...
Read MoreRibble Valley Itineraries
Arts & Culture | History & Heritage | TASTE
Explore Lancashire Like King Charles III - A Royal-Inspired Day Out
Follow in the footsteps of the most recent visit to Lancashire by King Charles III on this royal itinerary
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Ribble Valley Routes & Trails
Free | History & Heritage | Outdoors
The Tolkien Trail - in the Footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien
Duration2 hours 30 mins
Distance5.5 miles
Many areas in the UK claim to have inspired J.R.R Tolkien creation of middle earth but the author certainly spent a lot of his time at Stonyhurst College working on The Lord of the Rings during the Second World War.
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Free | Outdoors
Trough of Bowland Cycling Route
Duration4 hours
Distance34 miles
A 34 mile loop taking you through the beautiful Trough of Bowland and Forest of Bowland National Landscape starting in Garstang
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